Apparatus and method to conceal genitalia

ABSTRACT

An adhesive-backed piece material used to pull back and conceal the genitals of the wearer. The invention described here reduces the effort and discomfort involved in concealing the penis by providing a ready-made adhesive-backed piece of material possessing the proper size and shape as well as a non-adhesive padded section so that all the user has to do is peal and apply. The adhesive itself has anti-irritant proprieties and the padded section ensures that no adhesive need make contact with the sensitive skin of the penis. The piece of material does not need to be intricately folded or cut to measure in order to be worn. The material has a small surface area allowing it to be worn discreetly underneath other garments like intimate apparel. This all results in decreased effort, increased comfort, easier application, and a greater range of dressing options for the wearer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 62/832,428 filed Apr. 11, 2019, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to concealment apparatus, and moreparticular to those for concealing the genitalia.

People may at times wish to conceal their penis or genitalia foraesthetic, medical, or psychological reasons. Prior methods ofconcealing the genitalia involved measuring, cutting and applyingordinary industrial tape which is harsh on the skin, uncomfortable, andinconvenient. There are also special garments which can be worn, butthey are cumbersome and present aesthetic challenges.

Manual cutting and measuring of tape is inefficient and inconvenient.Moreover, the types of adhesive tape in use for this purpose often causeskin irritation and can damage the sensitive skin of the penis as wellas painfully pull out the pubic hair. As a result, they cannot be wornfor long periods of time without causing pain and discomfort.

Special garments have also been employed for this purpose. However, theyare cumbersome and often not compatible with certain other garmentswhich the user may desire to wear (e.g. bikinis and swimwear, revealingintimate apparel, low-cut jeans, or other garments that may exposesections of the skin proximal to the genital area). The special garmentsare also incompatible with many physical activities the user couldengage in (e.g. swimming, yoga, dancing, cycling, aerobic exercise, orother physical activity requiring range of motion). Furthermore, thesespecial garments do not provide sufficient hold to be completely flat,nor do they offer water and sweat resistance needed to make themsuitable to being worn during swim, exercise, or other strenuousphysical activity.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved apparatus and method forconcealing the genitalia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a concealer for coveringgenitalia of a user is disclosed. The concealer includes a materialhaving an upper portion, a lower portion, a front surface facing awayfrom a body of the user, when worn, and a back surface facing a body ofthe user, when worn. The upper portion having a triangular shape with abase oriented at a top end of thereof. Side legs of the triangular shapeconverge towards the lower portion. The lower portion has an elongateband that extends from an apex of the triangular shape opposite thebase. The elongate band has a width corresponding with a leg separationof the user and a length dimensioned to extend over the genitalia,perineum, and buttocks of the user, when worn. An adhesive layer iscarried on the back surface.

In some embodiments, a releasable backing covers the adhesive layer. Apad may be secured to the adhesive layer so that the pad is positionedto overlay the genitalia.

In some embodiments, the material is a flexible material to conform tothe body. The material may also be an elastic material. More preferably,the material and the adhesive layer are a kinesiology tape.

In other aspects of the invention, a method of concealing a user'sgenitalia is disclosed. The method includes providing a genitaliaconcealer. The concealer having an upper portion, a lower portion, afront surface, and a back surface. The upper portion has a triangularshape dimensioned to correspond with a pubic region of the user. Thetriangular shape has a base oriented at a top end of the upper portion.An elongate band extends from an apex of the triangular shape oppositethe base. The elongate band has a width dimensioned to correspond with aleg separation of the user and a length dimensioned to extend over thegenitalia, a perineum, and buttocks of the user, when worn. An adhesivelayer is carried on the back surface. The method includes applying theadhesive layer of the upper portion to a mons pubis region of the userand extending the elongate band beneath a urogenital region. Theadhesive layer of the elongate band is then applied to the urogenitalregion and buttocks of the user.

In some embodiments, the method may also include removing a backingapplied to the adhesive layer progressively from the upper portion tothe lower portion as the genitalia concealer is applied to a body of theuser.

Optionally, the method includes applying a pad to the adhesive layer ofthe upper portion so that the pad is interposed between the adhesivelayer and the user's genitalia.

Other embodiments of the method include tucking the user's genitaliarearwardly and pulling a distal end of the elongate band to cover andapply a desired tension against the genitalia.

Yet other embodiments include removing the genitalia concealer byseparating the adhesive layer from the body.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention components;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear exploded view of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 5-5 in FIG.2;

FIG. 6 is a section view of the invention, taken along line 6-6 in FIG.1, with user 20 shown in dashed lines for clarity;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the invention, illustration the stretch andflexibility of tape 10;

FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the first step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the second step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8C is a schematic view of the third step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8D is a schematic view of the fourth step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8E is a schematic view of the fifth step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8F is a schematic view of the sixth step of applying the genitaliaconcealer;

FIG. 8G is a schematic view of the final step of applying the genitaliaconcealer; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for applying the genitalia concealer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merelyfor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus andmethod for covering or concealing the genitalia. As stated above,individual may at times wish to conceal their genitalia for aesthetic,medical, or psychological reasons.

The invention claimed here provides a solution and provides superiorflatness in profile and a stronger hold with improved water resistance.

As seen in reference to the drawings of FIGS. 1-9, an adhesive-backedpiece of material 10 of the proper shape allows the wearer to quicklyand comfortably conceal their genitalia. While the invention is readilyadapted to both male and female genitalia, the invention will bediscussed in the context of the male genitalia.

The genitalia concealer 10 of the present invention described hereinreduces the effort and discomfort involved in concealing the penis 22 byproviding a ready-made adhesive-backed piece of material possessing theproper size and shape. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, thegenitalia concealer 10 has a generally triangular shape with a base 11of the triangle oriented at a top end of thereof. Converging side legs13 of the triangular shape converge towards a lower portion of thegenitalia concealer 10. The converging side legs 13 may also have anarcuate edge to conform with the pubic region of the wearer and to avoidinterference with leg movements at the hips.

An elongate band 15 extends from an apex of the triangular shapeopposite the base 11. The elongate band 15 has a width dimensioned tocorrespond with a separation between the wearer's legs. The elongateband 15 at distal end has a length to extend over the genitalia, theperineum, and may extend up to a top of the user's buttocks when worn.In some embodiments, the elongate band may include a tapering at adistal end of the elongate band 15. The material 10 has a small surfacearea allowing it to be worn discreetly underneath other garments, suchas intimate apparel. This all results in decreased effort, increasedcomfort, easier application, and a greater range of dressing options forthe wearer.

The genitalia concealer 10 has a body facing or back side includes anadhesive layer 14 applied to extend to the peripheral margins of thematerial 10. A release backing 12 may be applied to cover the adhesivelayer 14. For user comfort, a pad 16 may be applied to the adhesivelayer 14 to protect the user's skin from the adhesive layer 14. Thematerial 10 may be formed of a flexible material to conform to thewearer's skin. In preferred embodiments, the material 10 may include anelastic flexible material. In more preferred embodiments, the material10 is a breathable material. The genitalia concealer 10 may made in avariety of sizes, based on the anthropomorphic measurements of the user.The triangular top portion of the concealer is placed across the user'slower abdomen.

In use, all the user has to do is peel the release backing 12 and applythe adhesive layer 14 of the genitalia concealer 10 to their body. Theadhesive itself has anti-irritant properties and the pad 16, preferablya sterile pad, ensures that no adhesive layer 14 makes contact with thesensitive skin of the penis 22.

Prior to the genitalia concealer 10 of the present invention, concealingthe penis 22 involved careful folding and preparation including use ofordinary industrial tape and/or special garments. The tape would need tobe intricately folded and cut to measure each time in order to be worn.

The inventors have found that the piece of material 10 may optimally beformed of the popular kinesiology tape, as the material provides supportand the adhesive provides a strong hold while minimizing skin irritationwith repeated application and removal.

A preferred method for applying the genitalia concealer 10 is shown inreference to FIGS. 8A through 8G. The user simply pulls backing 12 toexpose the adhesive layer 14 of a base 11 end of the triangular shapedportion and applies the genitalia concealer 10 to the mons pubisallowing the elongate band 15 to hang downwardly. If, desired, the userplaces the sterile cotton pad 16 at the base of the penis 22, protectingthe penis 22 from contact with the adhesive 14.

After placement of the pad 16, the user tucks their penis 23 andtesticles back and up between their legs, using their preferred methodof tucking. The user may then squat. The user then reaches around theirback to grab the elongate band 15 and draws the distal end through theirback and legs, preferably utilizing their dominant hand. The user thenpulls the distal end of the elongate band 15 so that the penis 22 andtesticles are retained at a desired comfort level. The user thencontinues to peel the backing 12 to progressively expose the adhesivelayer 14 and applies the elongate band 15 to the buttocks andterminating towards the small of the back. The elasticity of thegenitalia concealer 10 allows the penis 22 to be compressed snuglyagainst the underside of the body. The present invention can be removedfrom the body by slowly peeling it away from the skin.

The invention described here reduces the effort and discomfort involvedin concealing the penis 22 by providing a ready-made genitalia concealer10 possessing the proper size and shape, with the optional non-adhesivepad 16 so that all the user has to do is progressively peel the backing12 and apply the exposed adhesive layer 14. The adhesive itself hasanti-irritant proprieties and the pad 16 ensures that no adhesive needmake contact with the sensitive skin of the penis 22.

A plurality of holes could be made at regular intervals in the material10 to allow for superior breathability. Alternatively, the material 10could be formed of a breathable textile. In some embodiments, the pad 16could be impregnated with desiccant materials or gel to wick awaymoisture. In other embodiments for wound treatment, the pad 16 could beimpregnated with an antibacterial or other agents to promote skin healthand increase comfort, or aid in wound healing.

In yet other embodiments a plurality of guide lines could be etched,printed, or embossed on the backing 12 to guide users who wish tofurther tailor the product to their needs by means of cutting. A sectionof the base 11 could be non-adhesive to allow for easy peeling off ofthe backing 12.

The material 10 could be non-elastic, or made of a fabric, rubber,plastic, latex, silicone, or combination of these elements. The adhesivelayer 14 could be some adhesive other than acrylic. In other embodimentsan opening, re-closeable cutout, or flap may be formed in genitaliaconcealer 10 to increase ease in using the restroom. As will beappreciated from the present disclosure, the shape of the genitaliaconcealer 10 could be less angular and more rounded.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, the invention may also beused to hold a medical device in place, aid in the treatment of amusculoskeletal condition, or to cover a wound in the urogenital area.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates toexemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A concealer for covering genitalia of a user,comprising: a material having an upper portion, a lower portion, a frontsurface facing away from a body of the user, when worn, and a backsurface facing a body of the user, when worn; the upper portion having atriangular shape with a base oriented at a top end of thereof, side legsof the triangular shape converge towards the lower portion; the lowerportion having an elongate band that extends from an apex of thetriangular shape opposite the base, the elongate band having a widthcorresponding with a leg separation between of the user, and a lengthdimensioned to extend over a genitalia, a perineum, and a buttocks ofthe user, when worn; and an adhesive layer carried on the back surface.2. The concealer of claim 1, further comprising: a releasable backingcovering the adhesive layer.
 3. The concealer of claim 1, furthercomprising: a pad secured to the adhesive layer; the pad positioned tooverly the genitalia.
 4. The concealer of claim 1, wherein the materialis a flexible material to conform to the body.
 5. The concealer of claim4, wherein the material is elastic.
 6. The concealer of claim 1, whereinthe material and the adhesive layer are a kinesiology tape.
 7. A methodof concealing a user's genitalia, comprising: providing a genitaliaconcealer having an upper portion, a lower portion, a front surface, anda back surface, the upper portion having a triangular shape dimensionedto correspond with a pubic region of the user, the triangular shapehaving a base oriented at a top end of the upper portion, an elongateband extending from an apex of the triangular shape opposite the base,the elongate band having a width dimensioned to correspond with a legseparation of the user, and a length dimensioned to extend over awearer's genitalia, perineum, and a buttocks of the user, when worn, andan adhesive layer carried on the back surface; applying the adhesivelayer of the upper portion to a mons pubis region of the user; extendingthe elongate band beneath a urogenital region; and applying the adhesivelayer of the elongate band to the urogenital region and buttocks of theuser.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: removing a backingapplied to the adhesive layer progressively from the upper portion tothe lower portion as the genitalia concealer is applied to a body of theuser.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: applying a pad tothe adhesive layer of the upper portion so that the pad is interposedbetween the adhesive layer and the user's genitalia.
 10. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: tucking the user's genitalia rearwardly;and pulling a distal end of the elongate band to cover and apply adesired tension against the genitalia.
 11. The method of claim 10,further comprising: removing the genitalia concealer by separating theadhesive layer from the body.